Review: Pennywise - Reason to Believe

Artist: Pennywise
Album: Reason to Believe
Label: Myspace Records
Released: 3/25/2008



BSTscore: 74

It’s still hard for me to fathom that this band has been around for 20 years. I can still remember the first time I heard them in 1995 and the first time I saw them live in 1997. It seems like yesterday to me.

One thing is certain, the years haven’t changed Pennywise one bit. Reason to Believe carries the same emotion and passion as the band’s past releases. Pennywise’s bread and butter has always been fast paced, angry punk rock with a touch of melody. Their distinct sound remains as Jim’s iconic vocals harmonize with Fletcher’s driving guitar work and Randy and Byron’s solid rhythm backbone.

I didn’t expect this release to be far from the path that has gotten Pennywise this far, and it’s not. The lyrics are great, as always, and remain politically charged and as passionate as ever. The song structures have largely remained the same as well, with blast beats, blistering guitars, and Jim’s strong delivery. I did enjoy the slight change of pace of “Confusion” that showed more melody, but it doesn’t hold a candle to the stalwart sound of “You Get the Life you Choose.”

Pennywise continues to bring their sound to new generations without compromise. I really respect that this band has stayed true to their sound over the years and continues to release material without getting stale. The band remains a torch bearer for the punk rock genre and Reason to Believe is as solid as any of the band’s releases.

Musicianship: 70
Vocals: 90
Creativity: 65
Impact: 70

Favorite Song: "It's Not Enough to Believe"

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